Integrated Pump Controller in Sensor Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump systems with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are complex and costly, requiring external electronics for motor control, which increases system complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a pump controller into sensor electronics within the motor housing, eliminating the need for a separate PLC or external electronics package by using sensor electronics to command the motor controller directly, thereby simplifying the system and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a PLC or external electronics housing is used for motor control, then reliable pump system control is achieved, but system complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump system controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump controller is integrated directly into the sensor electronics housing, combining the functions of sensing, control, and motor regulation into a single unified unit. This eliminates the need for separate PLCs or external electronics housings, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining control reliability through the unified architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor electronics housing performs multiple functions: it houses the sensor for detecting pump parameters, contains the pump controller for processing sensor data, and provides motor control outputs for regulating the drive motor. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a PLC or external electronics housing is used for motor control, then reliable pump system control is achieved, but system costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump system controlVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pump controller is integrated directly into the sensor electronics housing, combining the functions of sensing, control, and motor regulation into a single unified unit. This eliminates the need for separate PLCs or external electronics housings, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining control reliability through the unified architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor electronics housing performs multiple functions: it houses the sensor for detecting pump parameters, contains the pump controller for processing sensor data, and provides motor control outputs for regulating the drive motor. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If sensor electronics are integrated into the sensor, then system complexity is reduced, but control functionality must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcontrol functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor electronics housing performs multiple functions: it houses the sensor for detecting pump parameters, contains the pump controller for processing sensor data, and provides motor control outputs for regulating the drive motor. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor electronics housing serves as an intermediary unit that receives data from the sensor, processes it through the integrated pump controller, and generates control signals for the motor controller. This intermediary structure maintains clear functional separation while achieving physical integration, preserving control versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3527829B1Pump system and pump control method
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 GRUNDFOS HLDG
  • EP3527829B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527829B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2e
  • EP3527829B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pump system (1) with a first (3) of at least one pump unit (3, 5) for pumping a fluid (11), wherein the first pump unit (3) comprises a pump, an electric drive motor and a motor control, a pump control for commanding the motor control, and a sensor (7) with a sensor housing (27) and sensor electronics (28) located in the sensor housing (27) for detecting at least one parameter of the fluid (11) in the pump or in a pipe fluid-connected to the pump, wherein the pump control is integrated into the sensor electronics (28).